Among those giving and getting hugs: JoAnne Morrison (pink vest), who picketed in front of the Charlestown a few years ago to stop the landlord from demolishing the restaurant, came in for the last breakfast and ordered a spinach omelette. “Everyone is so friendly and nice, I just got to know everyone,” Morrison said.

Morrison said she had breakfast every Sunday at the Charlestown, and often for lunch or dinner during the week as well. From now on, she will probably just make breakfast at home on Sunday, she said.

Owner Ron Hanlon was out getting more groceries, said waitress Tama Warrior, who was working her final shift, along with Hesper Guerra. We’ll try to catch up with him later as he prepares to lock the front door of the cafe for the last time today.

5:55 PM UPDATE: We’ll publish Kathy’s final update a bit later this evening; she says the doors did not close at 3 pm spot-on, nor for a while afterward, but we went back a little while ago and found the final sign on the finally closed door:

Yes, that’s me, but I’m hugging Jen, not Michelle. Michelle was our waitress this morning and Jen is one of the employees whom we have come to know since she started working at The Charlestown. Best wishes to all the staff, and happy retirement, Ron.

A: YOU did not miss a thing, but many in West Seattle will miss an easy, comfortable place to relax and visit with friends and family over a meal.
A huge “THANK YOU” to the staff that always made us feel at home. Best of luck as you move on to the next chapter in your working lives. You are all so fortunate to always have the friendships that you’ve made while at the Charlestown and you can know that many times over you made someone elses day a little better with your care and service..

Due to the proximity of my home to the Charlestown I just watched Mr. Webster close up the cafe for the last time. I could see him walk through the place a few times, then turn the sign lights on and back off. He stopped briefly in the parking lot and looked back at the restaurant one last time, then walked to his car and drove away. That broke my a heart a little. Goodbye Charlestown Cafe, you will be missed. Except perhaps by “A”, who’s last name I’m assuming is Hole.

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